Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, left, runs for a 13-yard gain as St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Kendall Langford defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam) (The Associated Press)

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) breaks free for an 82-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) (The Associated Press)

HOUSTON – The Houston Texans can't help but be impressed by what Minnesota's Adrian Peterson is doing this season.

On Sunday, when they face the Vikings, the Texans want to make sure they aren't on the wrong end of history.

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Peterson enters the game against Houston just 188 yards shy of becoming the seventh 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history.

Veteran Houston linebacker Bradie James says they've got to do their jobs to try and keep him from reaching the milestone against them.

The Texans (12-2) need a win to secure both a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. To do that they'll have to slow Peterson, who coach Gary Kubiak says presents the biggest challenge his team has faced in a while.